Archival Sources

Citing archival sources properly is important, because the materials found in
an archive or special collections repository are often unique and so cannot be
referred to elsewhere. Persons trying to
locate your sources at a later date will need to know exactly where and how to retrieve
them. The particular form of your
citation will depend upon the citation style you adhere to (e.g. The
Chicago Manual of Style, Modern Language Association, etc.). The basic elements that should appear in your
citation are:

The document itself: Include the
creator, page, section, and date information where necessary.

Ex: Knights d'Orleans records.

Collection Name and Number: Include the
title and the collection or catalog number.

When you are at the archives, it is a good idea to note down
information from the finding aid or guide to the collection and from labels on
the folder and box - even if not all the information is required in the
citation itself. Take note of the box and folder number for the item but do not use the
information in your citation as collections are often reboxed,
refoldered, and renumbered. Citing archival sources
can be tricky. Never hesitate to ask the
archivist, curator, librarian, or your professor for assistance. They are there to help you!

Managing Your Citations

An online research management, writing and collaboration tool designed to help researchers easily gather, manage, store and share all types of information, as well as generate citations and bibliographies.